Passion and Purpose: I Came for Work, but Bhutan Changed My Life
In this heartfelt interview, James Low shares how a two-year posting in Bhutan unexpectedly blossomed into a decade-long journey of purpose, faith, and self-discovery. He reflects on the profound impact of Bhutan’s spiritual energy, its compassionate people, and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness on his worldview. From rekindling his personal faith to finding deeper meaning in everyday moments, James’ story is a testament to the quiet power of Bhutan to transform lives.
What first brought you to Bhutan, and did you ever imagine you’d spend nearly a decade living there?
I first came to Bhutan for work, having been transferred from COMO Point Yamu in Phuket to COMO Uma Bhutan in October 2014.
At the time, I had only planned to stay for two years. But within six months, something within me shifted — perhaps inspired by the profound spirituality and serenity of the land. It felt as though Bhutan was quietly guiding me back to my life’s true purpose.
You’ve welcomed royalty, and curious travellers — what makes Bhutan such an interesting place for all who visit?
I believe it’s the energy of the land, deeply rooted in its Buddhist philosophy. The majestic Himalayan landscapes, the peacefulness, the rich culture and traditions, the incredible temples and monasteries perched on mountaintops — and above all, the kindness and compassion of the Bhutanese people. There’s truly no place quite like Bhutan.
How has Bhutan shaped the way you approach your values, or even the way you see the world?
Immensely. Before coming to Bhutan, I didn’t have a clear sense of direction — I simply went with the flow and moved forward as things came. But my time there grounded me in values that now anchor my life: Compassion, Kindness, Selflessness, Acceptance (“it is what it is”), Impermanence, and the Interconnection of all things — a realisation that every action carries a consequence. Most of all, Bhutan helped me discover a sense of purpose, and that’s been truly profound.
Bhutan is known for Gross National Happiness. How did you personally experience this philosophy in your day-to-day life there?
Gross National Happiness is built on four pillars: cultural preservation, the wellbeing of people through sustainable and responsible socio-economic development, environmental conservation, and good governance.
You can feel it in so many aspects of daily life — it’s truly embedded in the way Bhutan functions. What stood out most to me were the efforts to preserve monasteries, Dzongs, traditional attire like ghos and kiras, and the intricate art of Thangka painting.
There are also remarkable examples of sustainable development, such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City and hydroelectric power initiatives. Bhutan’s commitment to maintaining over 70% forest cover — making it the world’s only carbon-negative country — is another powerful reflection of this philosophy. And above all, the deep, unwavering care His Majesty the King shows for his people speaks volumes.
What does a meaningful day in Bhutan look like for you?
It starts with waking up with a clear sense of purpose. Having direction for the day, carrying out what needs to be done, and taking time to reflect on how it all unfolded — no matter the outcome. And most importantly, pausing to celebrate every triumph, no matter how big or small.
Do you have a go-to comfort dish in Bhutan that always hits the spot?
Ema Datsi, Kewa Datsi, Sikam Paa, Ezzay — and the occasional seasonal Yak curry!
Can you share a memorable conversation you had with a local that stayed with you?
I once had a deeply transformative conversation with a revered Rinpoche. He spoke about religious values in a way that built a bridge for me to reconnect with my own faith — and that journey eventually led me back to God. Since then, I can honestly say I’m a born-again Catholic.
What are some common misconceptions people have about Bhutan?
That Bhutanese people are the “happiest on earth” in a materialistic sense — which completely misses the point. Many tend to equate happiness with wealth or possessions, but in Bhutan, it’s rooted in values like kindness, compassion, and community. The joy of giving is often more profound than receiving.
Another misconception is the fear of boredom — the idea that if you’re not a Buddhist or a trekker, there’s “nothing to do.” People also assume it’s hard to visit because of visas, or that there’s no good food or shopping. None of that holds true!
What’s one lesson Bhutan taught you that you still carry with you every day?
A deeper, more expansive understanding of compassion and kindness — one that goes beyond my own preconceived notions, towards a more unconditional and selfless way of caring for others.
If Bhutan were a person, how would you describe their character?
Wise, Compassionate, Nurturing, Calm, Content — with an inner glow or halo of peace that gently radiates to everyone around them.
What can guests expect when they travel with you for the Bhutan Insider Experience?
When Bhutan calls and you’re ready to answer, you might just find yourself on a deeply emotive and transformational journey — one that gently reconnects you with your inner self. It’s an uncharted path that’s simple, pure, and allows you to shed the noise of the outside world.
You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of why the Bhutanese are often considered the happiest people on earth! Visually, you can expect magnificent Himalayan landscapes, magical monasteries and temples, rich cultural tapestries, pristine farmland, and charming heritage farmhouses.
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Join James Low on an intimate journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan, where culture, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes come together in perfect harmony. This small group experience offers a rare chance to explore Bhutan through James’ personal lens—shaped by nearly a decade of living in the country.
Two exclusive departures with Druk Asia are available: 4–10 December 2025 and 23–29 April 2026. Slots are very limited. Don’t miss this chance to journey deeper—beyond the guidebooks and into the soul of Bhutan.
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This interview is part of the Passion and Purpose series where we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals shaping Bhutan’s industries and communities across the different industries. Each feature explores the unique journeys, challenges, and achievements of professionals across diverse fields—tourism, arts, entrepreneurship, and more. Through heartfelt stories, we uncover what fuels their dedication and how they contribute to preserving Bhutan’s heritage, sustainability, and Gross National Happiness ethos.
